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To help your pet grow into a friendly, safe companion, you must train them. Whether you want an obedient pal or a pup who can do tricks, most dog trainers start with a few basic principles to ensure success. Below are a few do’s and don’ts of teaching your dog commands.

Do:

Hire a professional dog trainer.

Whether you choose an eight-week program or a few sessions, a pet trainer will help you figure out your companion’s personality and how to make training easier. Dog trainers know how to read different cues from your pet and organize a plan to make training stress-free.

Be patient & consistent.

Your pet will respond to your demeanor during training sessions, so be kind and patient. Also, remain consistent in your tone of voice as well as the terms you use for commands, so your dog will understand and remember your cues.

Reward & reprimand immediately.

Your pet needs to associate both praise and admonishment with a particular behavior. Reward them immediately after they follow a command successfully, and stop a poor act right after it happens. This will condition your dog to understand which actions are good and bad.

dog trainerWork without distractions.

Make sure the area in which you’re training is free of distractions. This helps both you and your pet focus. It also helps you become a clearer dog trainer and allows your pet to absorb commands without anything else getting in the way.

Don't:

Punish your pet.

There will be frustration during sessions, but resist punishing them if they make mistakes. Losing your temper will not help your pet learn, and it undermines the idea that you are in control of each session. Reprimand when necessary, but do not let yourself become angry or emotional.

Tease or fool them.

Make sure your pet knows these are training periods. Don’t fool your dog into thinking the session is something else, and avoid taunting or teasing them with commands. This will only confuse your pet and hinder progress.

End on a negative.

Never end your training on a bad note. Even if the session is frustrating and you feel like there has been no progress, stay positive and praise your pet for their work.

Go too long.

Limit sessions to a maximum of 20 minutes each day, especially if your puppy is young. Just like any other young creature, their attention span is short and will grow as they mature. Older pets may be able to go longer, but don’t push it.

 

When you need caring professional pet boarding in the Royse City, TX, area, head to JD Kennels. As the recipient of D Magazine’s “Best Kennel” honor, this pet care facility offers 10 acres of land for your furry friends to enjoy while staying with them. Their top-notch staff of dog trainers ensures that your pets learn important skills while playing and relaxing. Call the kennel at (972) 636-9494 to ask about training availability, or visit them online for more information about their board and train program.

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